Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
Learn how your tech could be covered while you're working or traveling overseas.
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If anything positive has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s that people are looking for new ways to work while travelling. If you’re planning on leaving Ireland and adopting the digital nomad lifestyle then, as well as your laptop and passport, you may want to pack travel insurance just in case the unexpected happens.
Travel insurance: how are my electronics covered?
Our policies offer cover for a wide range of gadgets including:
- Photographic equipment
- Binoculars
- Telescopes
- Computers and/or accessories (including laptops, games and gaming consoles)
- PDA’s and tablet devices (including iPad’s and eBooks)
- Video cameras
- Audio visual equipment (including portable speakers and headphones)
- DVD players
- Mobile phones
- Drones and satellite navigation devices.
How much we cover your items for depends on your plan. We cover:
- When your gear is stolen when its under your supervision
- Tech devices destroyed by a fire or a natural catastrophe
Note: depreciation and wear and tear will be considered when calculating the claim settlement value of your electronic items (depreciation will not be applied to items listed as 'high value items' and you have paid the additional premium).
Whether you’re plugging into your social network or working remotely in a hub, we can help you protect your valuables and devices. Our six tips could help you travel safely and keep your gear secure.
- Tip 1: keep receipts: Always keep receipts (hard or digital copies) of any gadgets bought before and during your travels in case you need to make a claim. You should also make copies of your travel documents, ID cards, credit cards, and other personal information that you’re taking with you on the trip.
- Tip 2: get proof in writing for any lost or damaged gadgets: If a common carrier (e.g. airline, bus company or hotel) has lost, delayed or damaged your gear you must notify them right away and get a record of the incident to support your claim. Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team may be able to help you negotiate the local administration if you don’t speak the local language.
- Tip 3: report theft to the local police: If your baggage or valuables are stolen, you need to report ASAP to the local police authority and to the common carrier, service provider or any other local authority. If you don’t, it could affect your claim.
- Tip 4: protect your devices: With cyberattacks now commonplace, make sure your devices are protected to secure sensitive work data, banking details and more. Your laptop should be encrypted with strong passwords, a lock screen, and with antivirus or anti-malware software. Avoid using public WIFI hotspots, and never leave sensitive information or devices in your rental car or an unattended hotel room. If you must leave anything behind, make sure it is locked up in a safe.
- Tip 5: use a digital nomad visa: As the Covid-19 pandemic encouraged the remote working trend, many countries are offering digital nomad visas (a document or program that gives a traveller the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of residence). Countries offering digital nomad visas include - Costa Rica, Portugal, Estonia, and Malta, and the list is growing
- Tip 6: prepare for trip delays: As a digital nomad you may be travelling between places by air or road or both. Travel insurance can help if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours.
Does my travel insurance cover my tech?
Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.
What's not covered by travel insurance?
Some of the main exclusions include:
- When you leave your gear unattended
- Electronic malfunctions (you can take that up with the manufacturer)
- Theft or damage incurred when your valuables and gadgets are checked in with your luggage
- Items that you can't prove that you own (for example, you don't have a record of their purchase)
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your Policy Wording carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.
Bag snatched in Latvia.
It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about valuables and gadgets. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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If I've not specified my items, why do they get depreciated?
Electronics age and get knocked about. Depreciation happens to match the claim with the item's current value, not cost price.
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If my electronics are out of warranty, can I claim if there's a malfunction?
The policies excludes cover where there's an electronic malfunction.
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Why won't you cover my electronics if they're checked-in with an airline?
Because electronics are fragile and checked-in luggage can easily be damaged. They are also targets for theft.
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What if I don't have receipts for all of my items?
You'll need to show a proof of ownership - enough evidence to 'tip the balance' if you're lodging a claim.
I broke my leg in Koh Samui
How World Nomads Travel Insurance helped when Anton's trip came to an end in Thailand
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Watch Anton's story
I fell on my side and heard the sound of dry stick breaking, I realized my leg was broken, then I just lay on the beach... The first phone call I got was from World Nomads and they basically told me, you don't worry about this Anton, just focus on getting better...and we'll take care of the rest.
World Nomads customer from Iceland
How World Nomads helped
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Hospital treatment
Anton required surgery after breaking his leg and wrist in a fall while traveling in Thailand. We called Anton daily to check on his progress and once cover was confirmed, we took care of his medical bills and his hospital admin.
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Escorted flight home
After his surgery, Anton couldn’t travel back to Iceland without help, so we sent Luke from our Emergency Assistance Team to Thailand to meet him while in hospital. Luke was also there to help Anton carry his bags and escort him home on the plane to Iceland.
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Reimbursement for unused flights
Anton had paid for multiple flights to continue his journey across Asia, so we reimbursed him for the cost of the unused flights when his adventure was unexpectedly cut short.
Traveler's country of residence: Iceland
Destination: Thailand
Claim paid: €34,010.73 (Euros)
If you’re injured in an accident while traveling, you can be covered for emergency medical treatment including: hospitalisation, day surgery and out-patient treatment, visits to registered medical practitioners, access to prescribed medicines, and medical evacuation including air ambulance. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage before you buy.
Need to make a claim?
All World Nomads claims are different and will depend on your specific circumstances. If you need to find any information on claims, you can find it in your policy wording which explains what’s covered and what’s not covered, and which conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about coverage or visit our Make a Claim page if you need help to make a claim.
Why you should consider travel insurance
We get it, the last thing you want to think about when planning your holiday is what could possibly go wrong, and having to buy travel insurance. However, travel insurance could pay off in more ways than one, such as if you end up in hospital or are caught in unexpected events when visiting a far-away land.
Here's why you should consider World Nomads travel insurance for your next trip.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy seriously hurt?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
